Secrets of Netflix: “Creep” (2014)

Creep (2014), dir. Patrick Brice, starring: Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice

Creep is maybe my favourite found-footage film of recent years, a genre that is much aligned by the supernatural (thanks, Blair Witch), and which, ironically, has failed to penetrate the fears of a digital age where every Tom, Dick and Harry has a camera to project their lives, or worse still, to document others.

It is Aaron’s (Brice) camera through which we enter the world of Creep, a tried-and-tested formula of the isolated cabin in the woods; here, we meet Josef (Duplass – N.B.: Josef with a F, as in…), a terminally ill cancer patient who wants to make a video diary of himself, for his unborn son. There is, however, a tinge to Josef’s smile, which belies his cherubic face; and we immediately see more of Josef than is of comfort, as he acts out a father-son bath in the tub, a scene in which you feel sorry for the phantom baby that Josef strokes with masturbatory sensuality.

Soon, we’re introduced to Peachfuzz – Josef’s alter, wolf ego, – through a dance that outshines the best at Saucy. Through Aaron’s lens, we observe Josef’s mercurial, and increasingly malevolent behaviour, and we begin to feel ensnared by his story, the incoherence of which invites intrigue and dread in equal measure. Duplass holds Josef’s skewed character within credibility, with a tactile aura of menace that materialises into the terrifying as events proceed. At a lean 77 minutes, Creep is a very potent shot of adrenaline and fear, but it has truly unique, quirky motifs that ensure that its endurance as a cult hit is guaranteed.

Share:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

On Key

Related Posts

Blocking the Road to Divestment

Since the 1960s, LSE students have fought to sever the university’s financial ties to human rights abuses. This article uncovers the entrenched interests within its governing bodies that continue to block divestment, from apartheid South Africa to present-day Palestine.

Authentic Notting Hill’s Gems

By: Saira Afzal When people think about Notting Hill, a number of things come to mind. Some would say ‘iconic’, others ‘over-rated’, but most people

The Art of the Runway

Jennifer reflects on the spectacle of the runway and questions whether it’s the show or the garments themself that leaves an impression

scroll to top